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Class Action
March 2008 E-news:
Class and Race
In this Issue
1. Class and Race
2. Book of the Month: The Hidden Cost of Being African American
3. Featured Articles on Class and Race
4. Resources: video, links & books
5. Action of the Month
6. Take our Survey
7. Looking for a few good Macs
1. Class and Race
When asked how do race and class intersect for you, how would you reply? What goes through your mind? Do you even know where to begin? Do you think one overrides the other? How do these two very distinct yet similar interactions show up in your life? Can we untangle the differences between being poor and white or poor and of color? Professional middle class and white and professional middle class and of color?
Class Action is exploring these questions and many more. Thus far, it is fair to say that there are many different ways of responding. It is clear to us that the answers vary across race and class lines and depend on an individual’s experiences, and relative to their race and class origins. It’s clear it is extremely complex, yet very intriguing. In the last 10 years scholars have been exploring and discussing the complex interactions of the two and come to the conclusion that it’s basically impossible to talk about one without talking about the other. Consider the two forever intertwined. Researchers, scholars, social change organizations, religious leaders, and ordinary individuals who are sensitive to these issues are stepping up and discussing the conditions that plague our society. Katrina brought these intersections to the forefront, and as a result racism and classism have become increasingly more visible, yet this paints just a small picture of a much larger problem.
Historically in the United States race and class have divided us. The role that government policies play in creating and reinforcing inequality is evident, especially in creating racial inequality. Newspapers are filled with stories of racial disparities involving foreclosures, overcrowded classrooms, school drop out rates, crime rates, incarceration, unemployment, and healthcare issues, having the most impact on people of color and low income people. We must open our eyes, ears and our hearts and listen closely to what we are seeing, hearing and feeling. In this issue we offer you different resources to support you in further exploration of how race and class intersections work in the United States, a nation that has never fulfilled the promise of liberty and justice for all.
2. Book of the month: The Hidden Cost of Being African American: How Wealth Perpetuates Inequality by Thomas M. Shapiro
Reviewed by Michael Hout
African Americans often seem cut off from the economic mainstream. They face higher risks of poverty, joblessness and incarceration than their fellow citizens do. Community organizing, civil rights legislation, landmark court decisions and rising education have advanced the cause of racial equality. Overt bigotry has been banished from public places, and polls show that whites harbor fewer prejudices than they used to. But these improvements have not been enough.
Read More...
3. Featured Articles on Class and Race
Race, Class and Real Estate by Sheryll Cashin
I dare to believe that America could be a society premised upon brotherly love and inclusion, rather than fear and exclusion.
Read More
The Retreat from Race and Class by David Roediger
In recent antiwar demonstrations the most fascinating sign has read: “No Iraqi has ever left me to die on a roof.”
Read More
Many African American and Latino families in danger of falling out of the Middle Class
A landmark study based on new "Middle Class Security Index" developed by Demos and Brandeis University finds that 3 out of 4 African-American and 4 out of 5 Latino middle-class families are on shaky financial ground.
Read more
King's Dream Deferred by Michelle Singletary
As we spend this month celebrating the achievements of African Americans, I'm saddened by a report that concludes that the subprime mortgage crisis has caused the largest loss of wealth for black and Latino homeowners in modern U.S. history.
Read More
4. Resources: video, links and books
Online Video :
Dr. Lani Guinier 2008 at Sonoma State University Rethinking Race and Class
Marc Sims & Dr David Stovall talking about race and class
Online Audio:
Race and Class: Hip-Hop
Race and Class in America
Links:
Reimagine Money Organization
Institute of Race Relations
Books:
Latino Politics in the United States: Race Ethnicity, Class and Gender in the Mexican American And Puerto Rican Experience by Victor Rodriguez
The Color of Class: Poor Whites and the Paradox of Privilege by Kirby Moss
Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White by Frank H. Wu
No Equal Justice: Race and Class in the American Criminal Justice system by David Colen
Privileged Places: Race, Residence and the Structure of Opportunity by Gregory D. Squires and Charis E. Kubrin
5. Action of the Month
Although it’s been two years since Hurricane Katrina, many of its victims remain homeless. The Make it Right Project, started in 2006, brings together architects and environmentalists in order to design affordable green housing for the residents of New Orleans. MIR will develop the Lower 9th Ward - the most devastated area of the city – by building 150 homes.
Although spearheaded by actor and activist Brad Pitt, the fate of this project rests in YOUR very capable hands! You can help create these healthy and safe homes by visiting MIR’s website. There, take an interactive tour of the homes currently under construction. You can donate anything from LEEDS certification and solar paneling to an energy-saving light bulb. Not only is the website informative, but it’s also tons of fun! When else do you have the opportunity to work with Brad Pitt building environmentally friendly houses in New Orleans? How satisfying must it feel to know that you heated the home of a struggling family? Explore the website and help make a difference in the lives of a family of survivors.
Go to our Action page for more information.
6. Take our Survey
How do you think Barak Obama’s success in running for the Democratic candidacy for President will impact the way we think about race and class?
Submit a response here. Read other survey responses here.
7. Looking for a Few Good Macs
Class Action is growing faster than our supply of Macs can keep up. Interest in our work continues to bring increasing numbers of interns. Additional workstations are needed to help make the most of their talents. If anyone has a relatively-recent (G-4 or newer preferred) Mac in need of a new mission, please contact Sarah at 413-585-9709, ext. 201 or sreid@classism.org. Desktop and laptop models sought.
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